On April 28, at 12:34 p.m. local time (CEST), a massive blackout hit Spain, Portugal, and parts of southern France, plunging millions into darkness. Mobile networks disappeared. In Madrid and Barcelona, people raised their phones, desperately hunting for a signal. Eduardo Prieto from Spain’s grid operator REE warned that power restoration could take six to ten hours. Organizers canceled all Monday events “in order to guarantee general safety.” Among the matches, Jack Draper was scheduled to face Matteo Berrettini last on Stadium 3. Though their match was later, the 23-year-old was already on-site when the lights went out What did he do while the power was out?

During the blackout, world No. 6 Draper was among many players stuck entertaining themselves in pitch-black locker rooms and restaurants, where candles were handed out to provide some light. But it wasn’t all smooth. One player got trapped in a lift, while others had to eat dinner by candlelight. Coco Gauff revealed there was no running water in the locker rooms, so the athletes couldn’t shower.

Following his match against Berrettini, who withdrew citing an abdominal injury, Draper was asked about the blackout experience. He said via the tennis letter on X, “I was actually enjoying it. I’m a bit of a minimalist.. It was actually so nice to have no phones and none of that other bu**** going on in the world. You just try and focus on what’s important. I ended up reading like 10 pages of a book. Usually I don’t read at all 😂. So it was interesting.”

But the British No. 1 didn’t want to give too much away – asked what book he read, he replied, “You don’t want to know.” Seems like the Briton’s keeping a few secrets to himself. Which isn’t unusual, though, considering Jack has been a more private person. He prefers to speak about his career, and what happens on the court matters more.

He had been eager to play, though. Noting, “It’s been difficult having to wait around so long in these tournaments.” Naturally, it gets a bit exhausting with the travel. Especially since he just wrapped up his campaign at the Monte Carlo Masters on April 10. Then stayed in the city for a while to practice with his friend and the World No.1 Jannik Sinner.

But the urge to compete is strong. However, he did display some great tennis in his first round of the Madrid Open against Tallon Griekspoor. He’s quite clear on how to take down his opponents now.

Draper reveals how he got in Griekspoor’s head to win the match!

Draper kicked off his Madrid Open campaign with a sharp 6-3, 6-4 win over Tallon Griekspoor on Saturday, rattling the Dutchman as he sealed victory in just an hour and 15 minutes. Griekspoor was heard grumbling about Draper’s fast-paced style to his box, visibly frustrated as he struggled to impose himself and even threw his racket. Draper, meanwhile, stayed laser-focused, barely noticing the drama across the net.

After the match, in conversation with Sky Sports journalist, Karthi Gnanasegaram he was asked, “I heard Tallon Griekspoor talking to his team, and he was saying you’re not really playing clay court tennis, you’re playing so fast. That’s a compliment to you, isn’t it? Were you playing clay-court tennis, do you feel?” However, he remained humble.

Draper replied, “I don’t know, you know. I know that I’m not going to be as effective as I want to be if I’m defensive. If someone is getting me on the run on these courts, it’s not easy for anyone. So I just tried to play aggressive. Using my serve-volley, trying to look for my forehand. I mean, if it’s getting in his head then fair play!”

After lifting the Indian Wells trophy and breaking into the top 10, he’s no longer the hunter but the hunted. Now the highest-ranked player in the bottom half of the Madrid Open draw-thanks to Carlos Alcaraz’s withdrawal and Novak Djokovic’s loss- Draper still keeps it real: “To be honest, I’m not thinking about it at all. In my mind, I’m still coming up.” Obviously, I am in a different position now and that feels great. But, in tennis, you’ve got to forget about the last week, the last two weeks, you’ve got to prove yourself today. I don’t really think about that, I just try to keep working hard, listening to my coach, doing all the right things.”

Now into the round of 16, Draper will face Tommy Paul, leading their head-to-head 3-2. However, Paul won their last meeting at the 2024 Queens Club. Can Draper get his revenge this time? Share your thoughts in the comments below!